News & Updates

Preparing Your Deck for the Changing Seasons

The 2017 deck season is quickly coming to an end, and DecksDirect is here to help you prepare your deck for the changing seasons. As we say goodbye to the sunshine and warm weather, we want to ensure that your deck is in the best shape possible to handle fall and winter. You’ll need at least 2 days of dry and moderate weather for the best results in prepping your deck for fall.

CLEAN IT

Those ketchup spills and dirty foot prints that your deck gathered all summer need to be scrubbed clean so that they don’t become permanent this winter. Make sure to clean any debris that may be stuck between the deck boards and sweep away any loose dirt before washing. With a little elbow grease, those summer stains will be a distant memory.

DecksDirect carries a variety of products to help you prepare your deck this fall.

FIX IT

Decks age over the years, so routine inspections are crucial to prevent small problems from becoming large and expensive issues. Take a good look at your deck and check for any easy fixes. If a board is loose, nail it back down! If a fastener is loose, tighten it back up! If the hardware is beginning to rust, replace it! These are relatively easy fixes that homeowners can do themselves.

It is crucial to look for any structural damage caused by moisture or animals. An easy way to check for rot is to stick the tip of a screwdriver into posts and joists. If the screwdriver easily pokes into the wood, your deck is showing signs of deterioration and it may be time for a renovation. Now is a good time to schedule a thorough inspection with a deck builder. One of our favorite local pros recommends getting an early jump on your project:

“It's never too early to start planning a deck project. The best time would be the end of the season (Fall) for a project to start the beginning of next season (Spring).” - Tim, Phi Decks

PROTECT IT

Once your deck is clean and repaired, it is important to apply a water-resistant sealant. This will protect your deck from mildew and the damage that leaves, snow, ice, and other debris can cause. DecksDirect offers a wide variety of stains to keep out the elements.

MAINTAIN IT

One thing that many people don’t think of when preparing their deck for fall is the area around the deck. Make sure to trim any trees, bushes, or foliage that may have grown closer to your deck during the summer. Keeping them at least a foot away from your deck will prevent mold, moss, and rot.

There are also a few things that you can do throughout the colder months to ensure that you will have a beautiful deck to enjoy for years to come. As you’re raking the fallen leaves from your yard, don’t forget to make sure to clear off your deck as well. Leaves can add harmful moisture and weight to your deck that can lead to decay and damage. They also serve as nests for critters trying to escape the cold weather.

Before we know it, snow will become a daily reality for those of us in colder climates. Whether you get a dusting or a blizzard, make sure to shovel your deck. Removing snow and ice will help keep your deck dry and protect its finish.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Give yourself a pat on the back! You’ve done the hard work to ensure your deck survives the winter and is ready for another outdoor season come spring time.

DecksDirect is here to help you get the products you need to complete your fall deck maintenance to-do list. Our team strives to exceed your expectations by providing honest, accurate, and friendly service that you can trust.

Because we are the nation’s largest stocking online retailer of deck accessories, you can trust that nearly all items will ship the same business day if the order is placed by 3:30pm CST, Monday-Friday (excluding special order items).

At any point in your project, even if you have just a few simple questions, feel free to give our deck specialists a call at 1-888-824-5316 or send us an e-mail at hello@decksdirect.com.

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DECKFAST Deck Screws

Starborn Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer of premium deck fasteners, introduced the line of DECKFAST Deck Screws for Metal Framing in 2012. This year, they added 2 new colors to the line; cedar (#81) and white (#39).

If DECKFAST Deck Screws for Metal Framing are new to you and you are using metal framing, then this versatile fastener is sure to excite you. This unique screw can be used to attach any 5/4 PVCPVC, composite, capstock, and hardwood aluminum or steel deck framing systems such as Trex Elevations.

This unique screw features a drill point with wings, which increases speed and effectiveness of installation, prevents mushrooming on the deck surface, and insures that pre-drilling is not required for most decking materials, including hardwoods.

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Cap-Tor Screws by Starborn Industries

Starborn’s Cap-Tor screws are designed to meet the highest standards for performance, ease of use and value...and they just got even better! Starborn now has colors to perfectly coordinate with your Trex Select decking. Available in #10 x 2-3/4 inch in both the HEADCOTE Cap-tor and DECKFAST Cap-tor.

Now Available at DecksDirect.

Why We Love It - More color options, you are sure to find the perfect match for your project.

Why It's Unique - Cap-Tor is the only line of deck screws on the market designed specifically for capstock or coextruded decking.

Why You'll Love It - There's no need to pre-drill these screws thanks to the Transverse™ threading, auger point and extra deep T-20 star drive.

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DECKFAST Deck Screws for Metal Framing

Starborn Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer of premium deck fasteners, has just announced a new line of DECKFAST Deck Screws for Metal Framing. This product was designed to satisfy the demand created by the increased usage of steel and aluminum deck framing in the deck market.

DECKFAST Deck Screws for Metal Framing are versatile fasteners that attach 5/4 PVC, composite, capstock, and hardwood steel or aluminum deck framing systems. This unique screw features a drill point with wings, which increases speed and effectiveness of installation, prevents mushrooming on the deck surface, and insures that pre-drilling is not required for most decking materials, including hardwoods.

Featuring triple strength corrosion protection, the DECKFAST Deck Screws for Metal Framing are made of 410 stainless steel with both a zinc plate and epoxy coating, which adds the extra protection needed when driving into metal framing.